Drivers who are caught with a combination of illegal drugs and alcohol in their systems are to face harsher penalties under the Four Angels Law, which came into force on Monday (28 June).
Transport for NSW said the new law honoured Antony, Angelina and Sienna Abdallah and Veronique Sakr, who were killed by a drunk and drugged driver in a crash in Oatlands last year.
Minister for Transport and Roads, Andrew Constance said research showed drivers were 23 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash if they were under the influence of both alcohol and illegal drugs.
“The Four Angels Law sends a clear message to drivers that this reckless and life-threatening behaviour will not be tolerated in NSW and they will now face harsher penalties,” Mr Constance said.
“You’re not only putting your life at risk when you get behind the wheel with drugs and alcohol in your system, but you could also kill your passengers, other road users and innocent pedestrians like Antony, Angelina, Sienna and Veronique,” he said.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Paul Toole said that between 2015 and 2019, 98 people were killed on NSW roads as a result of a driver or rider having illegal levels of alcohol and illicit drugs combined in their system.
Mr Toole said the new combined offence included minimum licence disqualification periods starting at 12 to 18 months for first offences; alcohol interlock periods; vehicle sanctions for high-range first offences, as well as for all second and subsequent offences; and penalties for second and subsequent offences to be about double that of a first offence.
“The Four Angels Law reflects the seriousness of driving with both alcohol and illegal drugs in your system,” he said.
“It’s a fatal combination that has left far too many families grieving the loss of a loved one.”
Further information on the new law can be accessed on Transport for NSW’s website at this PS News link.
